Who is referred to as the party primarily liable and appoints another to contract with a third party?

The party primarily liable, who appoints another to contract with a third party, is known as the principal. In legal and business contexts, the principal is the individual or entity that authorizes an agent to act on their behalf, creating a relationship where the agent can engage in contracts and make decisions under the principal's authority.

This role is crucial because the principal is ultimately responsible for the obligations that arise from the contracts made by the agent. The agent acts in accordance with the principal's instructions and interests, ensuring that the principal's objectives are met in the engagement with the third party. This relationship emphasizes the importance of trust and legal responsibility, as the principal must ensure that the agent operates within the scope of their authority to protect their interests and fulfill contractual obligations.

Understanding this dynamic is important within various professional fields, including mortuary science, where contracts may involve services, properties, or other legal transactions.